Four teenagers aged 13 to 15 were shot near a playground in the Bronx.
Four teenagers, aged 13 to 15, were injured in a shooting incident that occurred near a playground in the Bronx on Friday afternoon, according to police reports. The gunfire erupted on Tratman Avenue, located between St. Peters Avenue and Overing Street, close to The Pearly Gates playground in Westchester Square, at approximately 4 p.m.
The victims include a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, both of whom sustained injuries to their left legs, a 14-year-old boy with a graze wound to his foot, and a 15-year-old boy who was grazed on both legs. Emergency Medical Services promptly transported all four individuals to Jacobi Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Eyewitness accounts detail a scene of chaos, with one witness describing hearing at least five gunshots before seeing people flee the area. The witness, Victor Carrion, 61, recounted seeing one of the injured teens, a girl, lying on the ground and crying, indicating that she was bleeding extensively from her leg wound. Carrion is employed as a security guard and mentioned that the group of teenagers typically congregating in the area often draws trouble, allegedly causing disturbances.
Another unnamed witness noted the regular presence of a group of approximately 10 to 12 youths in the vicinity, hinting at a tense environment that might have preceded the shooting. This witness described witnessing the chaotic moments following the shooting, including a young girl limping away from the scene before collapsing against a fence.
Authorities report that following the gunfire, a teenage boy was seen fleeing the scene in a gray Mercedes-Benz, which sped away heading west on Overton Street. Currently, police are engaged in an investigation to identify the two teenage shooters involved, but no arrests have been made thus far.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding youth violence in urban areas, as communities grapple with ensuring safety and addressing the underlying issues that lead to such acts. As this situation develops, further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Media News Source continues to monitor the story for updates.
